Noise Pollution
What is noise pollution?
Normally speaking, any type of non-needed sound is noise pollution. Whether it is the holler of a jet plane overhead or the sound of a barking dog a block away. The actual volume of a sound is only one part of the effect it has on human beings. Other facts to think about are the time and place, the period, the cause of the sound, and whether the listener has any power over it.
Noise pollution can be measured and many places have machines that can in fact measure the noise in decibels that an object is emitting.
What causes noise pollution?
There are many causes of noise pollution, most of which can be assoiciated with humans and modern city development. Road (cars, trucks, motorbikes), air (planes, helicopters) and rail transport (trains); industrial noise (machinery; neighbourhood and recreational noise. A number of facts contribute to problems of high noise levels.
Noise from vehicles has become a large problem in some areas. Aircraft noise can be reduced to some extent by design of quieter jet engines, something which has been occuring over the past 40 years. Most other noise pollution comes from machinery, especially vehicles, trucks, and airplanes.
Noise pollution can affect us greatly. For some people prolonged periods of time with a particular noise can cause hearing loss. Many workers who work heavy machinery are exposed to noises that are at least 3 decibels above normal range. If ear plugs aren't worn when working this machinery hearing loss can occur.
For some people noise pollution can affect their personality. Some people find it very hard to concentrate or function when they are exposed to continual or constant loud noises.
Noise pollution from vehicles has become a large problem in some areas and can affect the sleep habits of people living in that particular area.